Hunters Bar is commonly known as being a roundabout on Ecclesall Road in south-west Sheffield. However, historically it was a toll bar on the Sheffield to Chapel-en-le-Frith turnpike road.
This part of the city got its name due to the toll bar being close to an old house called Hunter’s House, which later became a hotel, near to the corner of Hunter House Road and Roach Road.
It was Sheffield's last public toll bar and closed at midnight on October 31, 1884. The last customer was reportedly a coachman called Haigh, who, after paying his toll, turned round and drove back through the gate becoming the first person to do so without paying.
The stone posts were initially moved to the entrance to Endcliffe Park before being restored to their original location on what is now Hunter's Bar roundabout, where they still stand beside the famous willow tree. Although the toll gate has since been repaired, back in 2024.
In popular culture, the area was mentioned in the Arctic Monkeys' song "Fake Tales of San Francisco", with the lyric, "He talks of San Francisco, he's from Hunters Bar"
One thing that is certain is that the area has seen many changes over the years, the once prominent Yorkshire Bank and the National Provincial Bank buildings may remain but the business purposes have certainly changed.
What do you remember about Hunters Bar over the years? Are there shops, restaurants or bars that you miss?
Take a look at these nostalgic pictures of Hunters Bar from the 19th century through to the 2000s in this local gallery below.
17. The Hunter House Hotel, Hunter's Bar, Sheffield, in 1987
This part of the city got its name due to the toll bar being close to an old house called Hunter’s House, which later became a hotel. The building remains today, although it has since been turned into residential accommodation. | Johnston Press
18. Skipping
Herol Bomber Graham taking part in a sponsored skip at Hunters Bar Junior school - July 13, 1990
19. Sweet shop
At Junction Road, Hunters Bar, Sheffield, where builders have uncovered the original shop fronts to the shops. Seen is Mr Dennis Gibson who remembers buying sweets at the Bar Sweet shop when he was a child, June 21, 1996
20. Hunters Bar
Pupils at Hunters Bar Primary School, in Sheffield, on March 14, 1995 | Sheffield Newspapers